Silvia Costa, co-founder of Via La Casa, showcases her artistic talent and refined taste in Lakewood Ranch. As a hyper-realism painter and the buyer for the gift and home section of Via La Casa, a home, coffee, and art café in San Marco Plaza, Silvia merges rich cultural influences into her paintings and home decor selections.
Originally from Brazil, Silvia’s husband is Italian, and their love for travel infuses diverse styles into her work. Silvia began painting when her daughters left for college. Seeking a new purpose, she felt inspired to paint and dedicated four weeks to classes. Using her own photos as references, Silvia creates hyper-realistic oil paintings in her home studio, spending up to seven hours each day for two months on each piece. Her works, such as "Pelican" and "Man Bailing Water," reflect her meticulous approach, blending colors to perfection.
Silvia's paintings are all about capturing every intricate detail of her photographs. Her hyper-realism style demands that every part of the photo be in focus, allowing her to bring an extraordinary level of detail and accuracy to her canvas. "It’s overwhelming to start a painting at the beginning but you take it one step at a time. Just like life, you do what you can," Silvia states.
Silvia’s favorite subjects include landscapes, still life, and people, each painting telling a unique story. Her art can be bought as prints at Via La Casa.
"Decoration should touch you, it should speak to you and have meaning," Silvia shares. She believes in mixing trendy items with timeless, valuable pieces. One of Silvia’s favorite aspects of decorating is the tablescape, where she emphasizes the importance of intention and hospitality. “You are sending a message that you love the people you are doing it for. There is intention, hospitality, love, and care when you set the table,” she expresses. For dinner parties, she advises against tall centerpieces to facilitate conversation.
Silvia describes her style as European, chic, and traditional. She enjoys combining clean, white colors with family heirlooms and modern pieces. One of her favorite decorating techniques is mixing old with new, such as pairing French antique tables with new Italian linens.
As Silvia heads to market this season, she aims to find more gift items for Via La Casa, including her beloved faux flowers, antique European treasures, Vietri vases, and specialty jams and popcorn.
At Via La Casa, a family-owned business she runs with her daughter Gabriella Moss, visitors can enjoy coffee, pastries, or wine while shopping for unique merchandise and admiring Silvia’s paintings.
Visit Via La Casa:
Address: 8209 Natures Way UNIT 121, Bradenton, FL 34202
Phone: (941) 210-4436
“You are sending a message that you love the people you are doing it for. There is intention, hospitality, love, and care when you set the table,” Silvia expresses.